Unveiling the Mystical Secrets of Tepoztlán, Mexico
A Day Trip for Seekers
The thrill of the climb up to El Tepozteco quickly turned into a huffy, sweaty exercise in futility. At least for me. I wore a romper with pant legs that were way too long, so my tumble risk was off the charts. Instead of a backpack, I wore a purse whose strap broke mid-hike, and had to give up use of one hand to hold onto it. “Let’s walk up to the point where it looks like the trail goes straight vertical,” I said to my friend. “We can assess there and decide if we should go further.”
We were climbing Cerro del Tepozteco (Hill of Tepozteco) in the magic town of Tepoztlan, Mexico. Hikers who successfully reach the top are blessed by incredible views and a small ancient temple built in honor of Tepoztécatl, the Aztec god of harvest and fertility. The pyramid is perched atop a sheer cliff at the end of a steep path that takes about an hour and forty minutes to climb.
Ascending Tepozteco was exhausting in the heat, and I truly believe I could’ve achieved the climb with plenty of breaks, cold water and proper attire. But I was not at all prepared for this level of a hike. It was like a pilgrimage broken into two lanes of driver ants. The ones going uphill were struggling and panting. The ones going downhill exercised slow extreme caution to prevent a terrible downward spill. The ascend required a totally different skillset than the descent.
“At the top is an ancient temple that is very sacred and a focal point of mystical energy. You will love it - I have to take you there,” my friend said to me a week prior as we meandered into a conversation about the spirituality over brunch. She said repeatedly, “We don’t have to make the whole climb. How far we go is up to you.”
So, on the hill at Tepozteco only halfway up the trail as we turned to reverse course, I appreciated her.
The bus ride from Mexico City was a little more than an hour followed by a ten minute taxi ride. I gasped when I stepped out of the taxi and I knew that my photos wouldn’t properly capture what I saw. The town of Tepoztlán was magical indeed.
After our failed pilgrimage, we decided to marvel at all else Tepoztlán had to offer. It is a pueblo mágico after all. A magical town is a distinction granted by Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism recognizing certain Mexican towns for their cultural richness and many other attributes.
As we ventured into Tepoztlan, a town veiled by majestic mountains, we walked through the most scenic backdrop. Cobblestone streets led us through a tapestry of vibrant murals and charming boutique shops, immersing us in a rich tapestry woven with history. It was as if the air itself carried a sacred energy—a gentle hum that enveloped us with a blissful tranquility.
The trail from Tepozteco leads to a bustling market, or should I say a trove of temptation. The vendors enticed us with an eclectic mix of crystals, handmade incense, yoga gear, dream catchers, rain sticks, t-shirts, and an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables—enough to overwhelm even the thriftiest of perusers.
We peeked into yoga studios and tarot reading boutiques and encountered quite a few temazcals, the traditional Mexican sweat lodges. In this sacred space, the body releases its toxins through sweat, while the spirit undergoes a remarkable rebirth through transformative rituals. Symbolizing a sacred womb, the temazcal grants those who emerge from its embrace a symbolic rebirth—a heavenly experience indeed.
Tepoztlan's indigenous residents live in harmony with a calendar of ritual practices, marked by vibrant celebrations throughout the year. These festivities entwined agriculture, religious customs, and social occasions, offering a glimpse into the truest essence of how they get down in this town. Our taxi drivers, eager to share their cultural heritage, warmly welcomed us back to upcoming festivals, filling our minds with tempting descriptions, dates, and a list of provisions to boot.
We and ate churros with condensed milk and a local street dish called itacates filled with squash blossoms. I pulled out my wallet way more than I intended to, but without regret. Before the trip home, we ducked into a restaurant and had a simple, farm-to-table meal that we yummed and raved about while swaying to live Mexican folk music.
Our day was filled with lucky synchronicities. The universe seemed to conspire in our favor before we mounted the bus that morning and continued until we returned back home to Mexico City. A simple day trip that for me served as divine sacred ritual.
See Mexico in all its glory here in this relaxation film: Magical Mexico
